Recipe: Clarified Carabuena Margarita
Crafted for Carabuena Tequila by mixologist Gabe Ford, the “Clarified Carabuena Margarita” is clarified using the same method as a milk punch, making for a creamy, elevated riff on a classic that is still replicable for the home bartender.
PREP IT
1.5 oz. Carabuena Tequila Blanco
1 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. Cointreau
0.25 oz. Ancho Reyes Verde
1 tsp agave
0.75 oz. coconut milk (or substitute your choice of whole milk, oat milk, or full-fat yogurt)
Fat ice
MAKE IT
Pour milk into a mixing glass, then set aside. Pour tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, Ancho Reyes Verde, and agave into a separate mixing glass to create your base, then pour entire base into the mixing glass of milk.
Briefly stir to combine, then let mixture sit out for 1-2 hours, until it curdles.
Line a fine-mesh sieve or strainer with a coffee filter. Slowly pour the curdled mixture into the lined sieve, which should be placed over a clean, clear container to catch the mixture.
As the mixture begins to slowly drip into the container, watch for when the drips start to become clear in color. Once this happens, move the lined sieve to place the mixture over a fresh mixing glass to catch the remaining drips, which are comprised of the perfectly-clarified mixture.
Once it slows or finishes dripping, repour the first bit of mixture from the original container (that wasn’t yet clear) back through the sieve, still placed over your second mixing glass, to finish clarifying the remaining liquid and leave nothing to waste.
You are now ready to put the finishing touches on your margarita. Add ice to the mixture. Stir 12-15 seconds to chill and dilute. Strain mixture into your serving glass over fat ice, and enjoy.
GABE’S TIPS
While this cocktail does take awhile to prep, it is great for crowds as it is very batchable, and also shelf-stable for months.
To batch this cocktail for a crowd, you can increase the ingredients to your liking (recipe measurements are for one cocktail), then add 15-18% of the total volume of filtered or distilled water to the mixture. This ensures you don’t need to shake or stir your mixture again before serving it, and it is still flavorful while going down smooth — allowing you to prep easy, pourable margaritas for your next party without getting stuck playing bartender!
Aim for 20% of the total cocktail volume to be comprised of your milk base, and try to use milks with high fat content. If you are using a milk with less fat content, a 2-3% increase of the base’s volume making up the cocktail will help ensure a creamier texture.
If you don’t have a coffee filter for the straining, cheesecloth or a cold brew bag also work well.
¡SALÚD!
Want more? View all of our Recipes here.
